Home/Workpackages/ Analytical methods for performing hydrogen purity testing to enable the full implementation of the revised ISO 14687‐2 standard (WP2)

Analytical methods for performing hydrogen purity testing to enable the full implementation of the revised ISO 14687‐2 standard (WP2)

The aim of this work package is to propose optimised analytical protocols (including fit‐for‐purpose analytical methods) that enable the implementation of ISO 14687‐2.
This will be done by evaluating the performance of analytical methods, existing and under development, for performing hydrogen purity testing (number of parameters covered, uncertainties, risk for interferences, robustness…) and by developing new methods when needed. The requirements specified by the ISO 14687‐2 standard present a series of analytical challenges, mostly due to the very low detection limit (e.g. carbon monoxide, total sulphur, formaldehyde) or total quantification of one element (e.g. sulphur) or family of compounds (e.g. total halogenated, total hydrocarbons). As a large number of components need to be quantified, it is not possible to analyse all the components using a single method; on the contrary, many methods are required. Moreover, a number of these components are unstable and/or reactive which implies that sampling vessels need to be passivated and extreme care has to be taken during analysis to ensure that these components do not adsorb to sample lines and other analytical equipment.

By 2016, hydrogen purity should comply with the tolerance limits set in ISO 14687‐2. For routine laboratory/analysis, performing the whole set of analysis is currently extremely challenging. Traceability of measurements, trueness and detection limits are some of the critical points. By defining relevant performance characteristics for methods (selectivity, measurement uncertainties, detection limits, working range, robustness, trueness and precision), laboratories would be able to choose adequate analytical methods for each parameter.

This work package also aims to discuss the presence of other potentially harmful impurities not yet specified in ISO 14687‐2 by using the analyses performed in WP1.

The outcomes of WP2 will be directly used to identify the challenge in implementing ISO 14687‐2 in routine laboratory/analysis and for a revision of the standard.